Lean Startup & MVP Framework

This MOOC explains the concept of the Lean Startup developed by Eric Ries, which focuses on building startups more efficiently by learning from real customer feedback. It describes the Build–Measure–Learn loop as the core process: first creating a prototype (Build), testing it with users and collecting data (Measure), and then learning from the results to improve the product (Learn).

The course emphasizes the importance of prototyping early to test ideas quickly and reduce wasted time and resources. It also introduces the concept of pretotyping, which means testing an idea before fully building it — for example, using tools like Mechanical Turk to simulate product functionality or a concierge approach where services are done manually to understand user needs.

Finally, it discusses what makes a good prototype: it should be testable, usable, and lovable — not only functional, but also something that potential users can appreciate and connect with.